Individual Counseling

At this point in my Career, I would say I have a personal blend of therapeutic approaches that I bring to the fore to help my clients.

I have always been interested in synthesizing various therapies and ideas,putting them together as a greater whole, and with more flexibility to make them fit any particular person. From working to respect the inherent process coming out of a person and following its lead, to using the latest on specific, targeted brain research based interventions; I have seen different patients thrive under different approaches.

The key goals would be reduction of suffering, increase in functioning, enjoyment of life, and personal fulfillment. I don’t generally treat a diagnosis, I see each person who comes to me as arriving where they are through a unique set of circumstances and history. I try to tailor my therapies to fit that. Thus understanding each person and making a connection is seen as a basic requirement for anything else to follow. This is one of the parts of my work that is an art.

Attending to Both Sides of the Equation

Some is art and some is science. I pay attention to what you present in different ways. Partly I analyze according to different theories and understandings about what mental health issues are. But I also pay attention to the feel of it, what is being communicated without words, what may be trying to come out but isn’t fully understood yet. I find it important to pay attention to both sides scientific and intuitive.
Thus, I will be interested in what your relationships were like with your parents, but I will also be interested in your dreams.

Attending to a Bigger Picture

In a somewhat holistic manner, I believe it is important to include a look at your overall health. Because we know that health in general and various metabolic issues can affect brain function, and therefore mood; I offer a quick screening for these kinds of things. Sometimes there is a health reason for what look like mental health problems, wouldn’t want to miss that. Likewise, I always consider sleep to be a key variable in the overall state of mind and keep track of that with you, looking for ways to improve that if it is an issue. I also encourage all clients to adopt at least one lifestyle improvement when they get started with me.

I have studied many therapies in my time. I include concepts and approaches from things like Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, Trauma Reduction, Somatic Awareness, Affective Neuroscience,
Neurofeedback, Emotional Regulation, and Relaxation Skills among others. This blend includes information and technology that can help you when you are on your own and not in the session. Things like simple biofeedback devices – there are now various phone apps that will do allow you to do these kinds of things.

We are working together, both in session and out, to help you make adjustments and to overcome long term issues. Sometimes we have been struggling with the same problems for so long that they feel like they are a part of us and will never change. But this perception isn’t true. Change can happen; I’ve seen it over and over. It just takes taking the right steps, persistence, and time.